The best toddler clothes for easy outfit building

best-toddler-clothes (2)

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

When it comes to selecting clothes for your toddler, you're going to want outfits that are stylish, comfortable and fit correctly. However, the best toddler clothes can be layered, adapted through the seasons and used in outfit building so that you can get the most out of their wardrobe. It's not just style, but practicality that's a huge factor in creating your toddler's wardrobe.

Let's not forget - toddlers are messy little things! So, as well as fashionable items, you're going to want to choose good quality everyday clothes that are going to last. Not only does this save you money in the long run, but it's also much better for the environment, too.

From separates like tees and trousers, to all-in-ones like dresses and dungarees, we've rounded up some of the best toddler clothes from well-known brands such as Boden and more. Whether it's a cold winter's day or the height of summer, the best toddler clothes will see you through.

Toddler clothes and colours that work for every season

Think basics! Like plain tees and stripes that can be layered underneath a jumper, cardigan or gilet in winter.

Dresses can be worn with socks in warmer months, while in the colder months, they can be layered with tights, boots and a jacket. Similarly, you could pair dungarees or a jumpsuit with a breathable t-shirt in warmer months and a cosy knit underneath in the colder months.

Neutrals such as white, cream, navy, black and muted earth tones can work across all seasons. Similarly, while we often associate yellow with spring or summer, mustard yellow can also work for autumn and winter. Shades of green and blue can also be adapted to every time of year, too.

Best toddler clothes

Named "Favourite T-Shirt" for a reason, this tee from Frugi is a great gender-neutral option, made from organic cotton and comes in a huge range of sizes. In fact, toddler sizes come with poppers to make dressing wriggly toddlers easy. It's great for wearing with anything - shorts, skirts, jeans, dungarees and cardigans.
**
Review:** "My grandson loves rainbows so has several of your t-shirts and shorts. He has eczema so the organic cotton is kind to his delicate skin."

Sizes:Newborn - 10 years
Material:100 per cent <a href="https://global-standard.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">GOTS-certified</a> organic cotton

Another set of t-shirts that comes in a huge range of sizes is this pack of three basic tees in white, navy and grey. They're a staple that's essential to any toddler wardrobe, as they're a basic neutral that will go with anything and can be worn for numerous occasions.
**
Review:** "Good quality, basic t-shirts that are perfect for nursery."

Sizes:3 years - 6 years
Material:Cotton and viscose

Despite being a long-sleeved top, this Everyday Breton top can be worn as toddler summer fashion due to its breathable cotton material. In a variety of colourways and sizes, Boden does a good quality basic top so well and is a signature with the Boden brand.
**
Review:** "The perfect transition top between seasons."

Sizes:2 years - 14 years
Material:100 per cent cotton

For colder days, this pack of three turtleneck t-shirts in white, navy and grey are ideal for keeping them snug. They come buttoned at the shoulder for easy dressing and can be layered on a particularly cold autumn or winter's day. We suggest sizing up with this product as it'll give plenty of room for growth.
**
Review:** "They are really nice. I would say a little on the small side size-wise but really lovely for this winter. I wish I had got the size up."

Sizes:1 month - 4 years
Material:100 per cent cotton

A super cute pair of denim dungarees are such a great choice all around, as they can be worn through the seasons and are a gender-neutral fashion piece. These dungarees come with adjustable straps and press studs, as well as the option for a mauve colour choice.
**
Review:** "So cute, lovely fit and so wearable!"

Sizes:4 months - 4 years
Material:100 per cent cotton

For transitional months, corduroy dungarees add a layer of warmth along with looking stylish. Again, it's another gender-neutral choice which comes in the colours of cream and brown. In soft organic cotton with jersey lining, it also has adjustable straps and cute buttons on the sides.
**
Review:** "Absolutely gorgeous! Great for cold weather. Lovely thick fabric. Love the colour too!"

Sizes:4 months - 4 years
Material:100 per cent organic cotton

Commercial Content Writer, Samantha Ball, said: "H&M or Next are great for gilets due to the quality, they last and my sons never complained they're "itchy" like others I've bought from elsewhere!"

Not only does this gilet have the cute factor with teddy bear ears, but it's also a practical piece that's lined for layering up and keeping them warm in colder months. The hood can be detached if you prefer, so overall, a great choice of gilet that can be somewhat customised to your taste.
**
Review:** "Lovely transitional wardrobe piece for autumn winter. Good quality and well made. Looks lovely on!"

Sizes:2 years - 4 years
Material:100 per cent recycled polyester

A great choice in terms of a toddler winter coat or raincoat for showery days is this borg-lined rain mac from John Lewis. Popular on their website, it's an affordable, stylish and practical choice so you might want to pop this one in your basket before it sells out in your tot's size.
**
Review:** "Lovely transitional wardrobe piece for autumn winter. Good quality and well made. Looks lovely on!"

Sizes:6 months - 4 years
Material:100 per cent recycled polyester

Similarly, featuring button front detail, this glade green cable knit jumper is smart in design and a great choice for your little one. Made from a blend of wool, you know that you're getting quality with Boden and that it'll be one to grow with them.

Sizes:2 years - 14 years
Material:45 per cent polyamide, 35 per cent wool, 15 per cent cotton, 5 per cent alpaca

A beautiful dress from Frugi featuring wildflowers on a mustard backdrop, you can't go wrong with this skater dress. Although it's ideal for autumn with a pair of cream tights and brown boots, you could definitely adapt this for other seasons. For younger tots, it comes with shoulder poppers for access, and also comes in a fab combination of different designs.

Review: "Good quality. Granddaughter loves it."

Sizes:18 months - 10 years
Material:95 per cent organic cotton jersey, 5 per cent elastane

To add some interest and detail to their outfit, this breathable broderie collared blouse is perfect for wearing with a skirt or a pair of jeans, alternatively, for wearing underneath a dress, a pair of dungarees or a cosy jumper. This versatile blouse has a button opening at the back and elasticated cuffs for easy dressing.

Sizes:1 year - 10 years
Material:100 per cent cotton

A button-down cord skirt is a versatile piece that will go with a variety of tops, tees, jumpers and cardigans. It has an elasticated waist for comfort, pockets for convenience and belt loops for you to accessorise. With a number of sizes available, this cord skirt has been made from responsibly sourced cotton.

Sizes:6 months - 5 years
Material:100 per cent cotton

If you're looking for a smart shirt for your little one to wear, this breathable cotton Oxford shirt from Jacadi's new collection would be perfect. With pleat and button details, it's made from organic cotton so it feels soft against their delicate skin.

Sizes:6 months - 3 years
Material:Organic cotton

A chunky cardigan for layering is the ideal wardrobe staple. This one from Mango comes in colour choices of off-white, sky blue and pastel pink. Wood effect button details down the front create a lovely finished look over any outfit.

Sizes:9 months - 5 years
Material:90 per cent polyester, 10 per cent polyamide

Made from a cotton blend with plenty of stretch, this popular pair of denim jeans from John Lewis is comfortable, stylish and versatile. They also come with an adjustable waistband so that you're able to adapt the fit to suit your little tot.

Review: "Really soft lined toddler jeans. They have a great adjustable waist and are super versatile. I would definitely buy these again fantastic for the cooler months"

Sizes:Newborn - 2 years
Material:97 per cent cotton, 3 per cent elastane

We absolutely love this set from Mori that looks stylish, cosy and comfortable all in one. A great versatile outfit that can be worn on its own or underneath a jacket, this ribbed navy lounge suit is an effortless outfit for them to wear. Made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, the fabric is cooling and breathable against their skin along with being stretchy and soft.

Review: "Cutest little outfit, beautifully made and good quality fabric.”

Sizes:18 months - 5 years
Material:67 per cent bamboo, 28 per cent organic cotton and 5 per cent elastane

Commercial Content Writer, Samantha Ball, said: "H&M leggings are the softest and stretchiest ones I've bought that also don't rip the same day they're worn (ah, the joys of boisterous children!)"

Fantastic for neutrals and sets, that's why H&M are best for toddler leggings and there are loads to choose from on their site. However, these particular leggings are made from organic cotton, have button details for a smart look and have an adjustable waist so you can adapt their fit. Soft against their skin with plenty of stretch and a good quality pair of leggings that are extremely affordable.

Review: "Nice leggings. Material soft and good quality. Come with an adjustable waist band too which is great."

Sizes:Newborn - 4 years
Material:100 per cent organic cotton jersey

Where can I buy the best toddler clothes?

If you're a lover of a Breton stripe, Boden knows how to do it well. With a range of baby, toddler and children's clothes, they're another brand with fun novelty designs paired with applique details that keep their clothes fresh and interesting.

For premium fashion-forward clothes, Parisian brand Jacadi offers trendy pops of colour with smart and streamlined designs. Despite being a French brand, some of the gorgeous designs are even inspired by traditional British designs.

They do everything when it comes to toddler clothes, and they do it well! H&M are great for neutrals, sets and trend-led pieces that are also of fantastic quality. Plus, their attitude towards sustainability is refreshing.

Another established brand that offers absolutely everything you could ever think of is John Lewis. For baby and toddler clothing that lasts, you know you're getting fabulous quality clothes with this brand.

With a pledge to be a sustainable brand, Frugi also offers a range of organic cotton clothes for babies, toddlers and beyond. With distinct designs made from bright colours, Frugi leads the way with its eco-friendly message.

Although its toddler range isn't as immense as others, we had to give them a shout-out, as they're amazing for their neutral toddler clothes that work across all seasons. With clothes in bamboo and organic cotton, it's another brand doing its bit for the environment.

FAQs

How to get the most out of toddler clothes?

Just like your own wardrobe, there are ways you can utilise and get the most out of their clothes.
Whenever you buy a new piece of clothing for your toddler, ask yourself how you can build an outfit or adapt this for another season. Try purchasing clothes that are made to last so that you're getting the most out of your money.
As well as following care instructions correctly so you get the most wear, selecting basics to create wardrobe staples is a must. You can't go wrong with a plain t-shirt in solid block colours. White, black and neutral colours will go with almost anything.

What are the best toddler clothes storage ideas?

There are so many ways for you to store your little ones' clothes. From folding them up into a chest of drawers or hanging them up in a wardrobe or on a rail. You can also incorporate storage cubes, boxes and baskets to store their clothes and footwear.
You may even want to organise and separate your toddler's clothes in terms of colour, or according to the seasons, to make building an outfit easier. Using rail dividers or drawer dividers can help keep their clothes feeling neat and organised.

How do toddler clothes sizes work?

Thankfully, UK sizes tend to be fairly straightforward as they are divided into years, e.g. "1-2 years," "2-3 years," "3-4 years," and so on. However, international sizes tend to differ when it comes to toddler clothes.
In the US, sizes may be divided into "1T," "2T," and "3T," categories. In EU sizes, toddler clothes may be measured in centimetre measurements. So, here's a handy conversion chart to show how toddler clothes sizes work.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/815573814120617742

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